Circumstances eat themselves
The present tense has been
Fill the fancy bowl up
At the present tense tureen.

I once had a girl, she lived in the past
It was clear that relationship wouldn't last
It was clear from the way she had to sleep south
It was clear from the lines around her mouth
So I went for a walk in the ravine
I came upon an unbelievable scene
In a tiny creek there's a tiny boat
With a tiny man in a tiny coat
I said "Hey man, do you think you can help?"
He said "Of course I can - I'm an elf
We're not just fictional device
We sail ravines and give advice"
I said "My baby is what it's about"
He cried "Helms a-lee, boy, I'm comin' about
Don't fill me in on right or wrong
Take these ropes and sing this song"

Circumstances eat themselves
The present tense has been
Fill the fancy bowl up
At the present tense tureen.

His eyes were afire, he lit up a coal
Handed me a ladle and a little white bowl
Put the pot on the fire, he opened a book
And said "sit down, the thing's gotta cook"
"That's the loveliest pot I've ever seen"
He said "it's not a pot, it's a tureen
And what's inside will make you well
So ring this little dinner bell"
Then he giggled in french - that's what he did
Like a kid at Christmas, as he opened the lid
"Help yourself" he beamed with pride
But there was no sweet soup inside.
Silence fell on the cooling night
I thought I better fake it just to be polite
Smallest friend, biggest moon
Empty bowl, empty spoon.

Circumstances eat themselves
The present tense has been
Fill the fancy bowl up
At the present tense tureen.

Circumstances eat themselves
The present tense has been
Fill the fancy bowl up
At the present tense tureen.